Rigid single piece buckle

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a rigid single piece buckle used to securely connect the loose end of a strap to the looped end of another strap.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a rigid single piece buckle used to securely connect the loose end of a strap to the looped end of another strap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of buckles have been devised to securely connect the loose end of a strap to the closed loop of another strap which is typically used on backpacks. The most commonly used are the side-release type buckles as shown in FIG. 1. Although effective and inexpensive, these types of plastic buckles lack the durability desired when used for more serious activities. Plastic buckles often break and need to be replaced.

Metal hook style buckles 11 are sometimes used as shown in FIG. 2. The metal hook buckle 11 is inserted into the looped strap 16 and is secured only when there is sufficient tension on the adjustable strap 17. Although durable, this style of buckle is seldom used, due to the fact that unless there is sufficient tension on the adjustable strap 17, the metal hook buckle 11 has a tendency to disengage from the looped strap 16.

Another style being used is similar to the metal hook style 11 with the exception of a secondary hook 20 as shown in FIG. 3. This type of hook buckle 19 is first inserted into a looped strap 21 as shown in FIG. 4A. The buckle 19 is then rotated so as to fully expose the secondary hook 20 as shown in FIG. 4B. A section of the looped strap 21 is then fed into the secondary hook 20 as shown in FIG. 4C. In this position, the hook buckle 19 will not disengage from the looped strap 21 regardless if there is tension on the adjustable strap 22 or not.

Although durable and secure, this type of single piece buckle requires a high strength metal to be of any practical use. When the buckle 19 is secured and the adjustable strap 22 tightened, all the stress is exerted on the buckles single spine 10. A material such as plastic would not be strong enough for this style of buckle, for most applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a rigid single piece buckle capable of easily and securely connecting the loose end of a strap to the looped end of another strap as well as being able to easily disengage from the looped end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a conventional male/female plastic side release buckle in a disengaged state.

FIG. 2 is a single piece c-hook style buckle.

FIG. 3 is a single piece c-hook style buckle with a secondary hook.

FIG. 4A is step 1 in engaging the c-hook style buckle with a secondary hook into a looped strap.

FIG. 4B is step 2 in engaging the c-hook style buckle with a secondary hook into a looped strap.

FIG. 4C is step 3 in engaging the c-hook style buckle with a secondary hook into a looped strap.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is step 1 of the present invention securely attaching to a looped strap.

FIG. 6B is step 2 of the present invention securely attaching to a looped strap.

FIG. 6C is step 3 of the present invention securely attaching to a looped strap.

FIG. 6D is step 4 of the present invention securely attaching to a looped strap.

FIG. 6E is step 5 of the present invention securely attaching to a looped strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 5 a device 24 is shown. The device 24 is used to securely connect the loose end of a strap 40 and the like to the closed loop of another strap 39 and the like together as shown in FIG. 6A. These straps are typically found on backpacks, bags and clothing.

The device 24 is composed of a single piece, flat formed substantially rectangular metal, alloy or any sufficiently rigid material. A diagonal slot 27 leads into a larger, substantially rectangular opening 28 which is located in the top portion of the device 24. Two inwardly protruding members 35 and 36 intersect with the substantially rectangular opening 28. A slanted notch 38 is located at the bottom corner of the substantially rectangular opening 28. Two horizontal slots 29 and 30 are located on the bottom portion of the device 24. A rounded protrusion 37 intersects with the lower slot 30. Although a diagonal slot 27 is shown, a vertical slot can also be used. Although a substantially rectangular opening 28 is shown, any sufficiently large shape may be used. Although two inwardly protruding members 35 and 36 are shown, the device 24 can still function without them.

OPERATION

Referring to FIG. 6A, the first step of the operation of the device 24 is shown. The loose end of a strap 40 and the like is first fed into the upper slot 29 from underneath the device 24 and then into the lower slot 30 from above. The rounded protrusion 37 which intersects the lower slot 30 helps to prevent the loose end of the strap 40 from slipping once it is tightened. In order to securely attach the device 24 to the closed loop 39, the device 24 must first be rotated so that the diagonal slot 27 is parallel to the bottom of the closed loop 39 as shown in FIG. 6B. The device 24 is then inserted into the closed loop 39 until the corner 41 of the closed loop 39 comes into contact with the corner 31 of the slanted notch 38 of the device 24 as shown in FIG. 6C. The slanted notch 38 helps to guide the closed loop 39 into the corner 31 of the device 24. The device 24 is then maneuvered so that the opposite corner 42 of the closed loop 39 comes into contact with the corner 32 which is diagonally opposite of the corner 31 of the device 24 as shown in FIG. 6D. The device 24 is then rotated until the corner 41 of the closed loop 39 comes into contact with the upper corner 33 of the device 24 as shown in FIG. 6E. As the device 24 is rotated, the protruding member 35 causes the closed loop 39 to deform until it passes the protruding member 35. The two inwardly protruding members 35 and 36 prevent the closed loop 39 from sliding down the device 24 unintentionally. In order to disengage the device 24 from the closed loop 39, simply follow the steps in reverse. In order for the buckle 24 to be removed from the closed loop, it must first be rotated until the diagonal slot 27 is parallel to the bottom of the closed loop 39. It is this fact that makes it unlikely that the buckle 24 will unintentionally disengage from the looped strap 39. 

1. A rigid single piece buckle capable of easily and securely attaching the loose end of a strap to the closed loop of another strap comprising: an essentially rectangular flat main body;
 2. The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the top portion of the rectangular flat main body is formed into a substantially rectangular loop for attaching to a closed loop strap.
 3. The device in accordance with claim 2 wherein the substantially rectangular loop has an angled slot at the top for the easy insertion of a closed loop strap.
 4. The device in accordance with claim 2 wherein the substantially rectangular loop has two inwardly protruding members.
 5. The device in accordance with claim 2 wherein the substantially square loop has a slanted notch in its corner.
 6. The device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the bottom portion of the rectangular flat main body has two horizontal slots for the attachment of the loose end of a strap.
 7. The device in accordance with claim 6 wherein a rounded protrusion intersects with the lower horizontal slot. 